It seems our journey together into the “Way” of Jesus has brought us face-to-face with life’s biggest challenge: “To love one another as Jesus loved us.” Yes – it’s a daily practice.

You may remember (pre-Covid) hearing about Bob Goff and his “new” book “Everybody, Always.” Many of us were impacted by this wonderful and inspiring book about unconditional loving. So, I thought it might be a good time for a little “Bob Goff Refresher Course.” Below are 2 sets of excerpts from articles I’ve recently come across. I hope they inspire you … and perhaps bring back some good memories from our book study days … or maybe initiate interest in doing another book study.

First, Shawn Parr of “Fast Company” made a list of his Top Ten Takeaways from Bob Goff’s book “Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World.” Perhaps these can help lead us forward in our quest to “love like Jesus.”

(All quotes taken from Bob Goff, Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World.

 

There is so much good stuff in here that I just want to re-read some of it every day!

 

And so, I will … How about you?

Pastor Bob <><

     Context:                                                                                                                                                                                      Current research on church membership in America shows a clear decline in the percent of the US population belonging to a church: In the 1960’s, almost 50% of Americans belonged to a church; today, that figure is less than 33 percent. And, of course, church giving has followed that same pattern, with an especially severe drought during and since Covid-19.

A small group in our church is tackling a new book by Brian McLaren, “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned.” Christianity in America, in case you haven’t noticed, is undergoing an upheaval in their usual ways of doing things. Seems like the usual ways of doing things isn’t working for most people anymore. As such, many folks are making personal choices about whether to stay in church, go to another church, or leave the church.

(And, praise God, there are also those who may have been unchurched, under-churched, or over-churched, who are now coming back into the church!)

Part I of McLaren’s book, “Reasons to Leave,” is tough sledding through some of Christianity’s most violent, destructive and shameful eras and acts. Every Christian should be familiar with this history. But, that’s not the only story to tell about Christianity. Part II, “Reasons to Stay,” reminds us that Christianity is an imperfect religion that is still being molded into what God intends for it, and that’s something we should want to be a part of.

Here is a summary of the “10 reasons to go” and “10 reasons to stay” that McLaren offers. See what you think:      

10 REASONS TO GO:

10) Because, soon it seems, we will need a repentance and salvation plan for the world we are slowly destroying. (Jesus is that plan!) 

Of course, in the end, each of us will continue to make our own decisions about religion and our faith lives. And in this “post-COVID” era, many people are re-examining their commitment to church and to God. The best news of McClaren’s book is Part III, which maps out a strategy for moving forward, whether you stay with Christianity or your current church, if you have one, or, if you leave and go a different way.

More good news: while many are stepping away from traditional church attendance, others are stepping forward and joining churches. There’s a transition going on in some churches (like ours!) that will lead us to the same predicament we’ve been in before; Do we do what’s expected, what we’ve always done, the way we’ve always done it … or, Do we surrender to Jesus and where he is leading us, do we break old habits and put doors and windows in old walls, do we become, as church, just what Jesus would look like in the world today?

The twelve disciples answered this clearly and without distraction – we will be the body of Christ in the world today. Regardless of social pressures and individual expectations, we will be transformed by our true master … who is Jesus … who will give us the power to do everything God will asks of us through the Holy Spirit.

Here at Vine Street Christian Church, we could strive for just that.

Or … not.

As always with God, the choice is yours to make.  

On redemption road … come and join,

Pastor Bob <><

(Note: A similar version of this article appeared in this week’s Arthur-Graphic.)

Although I’m still soaking in the good vibes from last Sunday, I wanted to share some of my random highlights from the day. Of course, there were many others, but here are some of my favorites:     

MAC’S GRAB! – As I handed a “back-to-school crosses to each of our “kids” sitting on the ledge, Mac Watkins broke thru the line from behind, took his cross, and promptly asked, “Do I eat it?” The boy just couldn’t wait for Communion!

JEFF’S PIPES! – Of all the good things in our service Sunday, or for that matter, on any Sunday, Jeff Bowyer’s consistently awesome performances always take the day. Last Sunday he sang “In the Garden” for us. And as he sang, we all walked thru that garden together … talking with Jesus as He tells each one of us, “You are my own.”

MIKE’S MESSAGE! – Reverend Johnson’s (and Glenna’s) mere presence with us ramped up the Spirit power in the sanctuary Sunday, but His message is what sticks with us: “Learning to Love Leavened Bread.” The truth of the Leavened Bread is the same as the truth of the Kingdom of God: As God’s Holy Spirit kneads its way into our life, we begin to warm, and then rise, and we come to know that the change we so feared was actually God’s will urging us forward into our future together.

THE “SUPPER” LINE – As the Communion Procession begins, I usually go to the back of the church and sit by the doors and pray. Last Sunday the line for the Lord’s Supper reached from the front of the church to the back. God’s pilgrims, all unique and beautiful, lining up and waiting together to be fed at His Table. Watching that line slowly inch forward was one of the most sacred and holy experiences of the day for me.

THAT HYMN! – Honestly, I’m a sucker anytime a congregation sings “Here I Am, Lord.” Last Sunday’s rendition was one of the most powerful versions of that song I’ve ever heard. From Karen’s playing to your singing, it was as if we all were one – one voice, one heart, one spirit. I’m sure that God not only heard our collective response to the question, “Whom shall I send?” and we sang … “Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I will go, Lord. I will hold your people in my heart.”

IN THIS VERY ROOM – OK, I’m allowed 2 hymns for this list …. And Sunday’s Communion hymn, “In This Very Room,” sounded more like an affirmation of who we are than just another hymn to sing. We say it every Sunday, in so many different ways, but it’s true: Love is the answer to the world today, and with Christ’s love, “it only takes a spark to get a fire going!” The love in the sanctuary Sunday was palpable as church family, friends and guests (strangers, but not for long) fell into love with Jesus, all over again.

ONE CHURCH – If you were there Sunday, did you notice this? It seemed that after about 5 or 10 minutes into the service, the congregation melded together in a way that looked like one big church family that shows up together every Sunday. I love it when the guests enjoy the service as much as the regulars. And that sure seemed to be the case. Just by showing up, we all get caught up in the work of the Holy Spirit, and by the time the service is over, without a doubt we know that we have been revived by God’s “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.”

 

A POWER LINE – When I asked (begged) all the students in church Sunday to take a seat on the ledge that separates the Overflow Space, I had no idea there wouldn’t be enough room for all of them. As they all sat on that ledge, from infants and toddlers to high school seniors, one could glimpse the future of the church. But also, importantly, the present. We have prayed hard for a church where all generations could feel at home, could feel fed by the worship, and could say year after year, this is our church! The “kids” on that wall hold the future of our church in their hands. Let us listen well to their words.

EYE TO EYE – Along with the joy of seeing all the kids sitting on the ledge together, I was blessed to receive an even greater gift. Blessing each student as I went down the line handing out the blessing crosses, I took the opportunity to look each one in the eye, and prayerfully plant a seed of love and hope in their hearts. When all is said and done, that may be the most lasting and significant moment of the day.

UNSEEN ANGELS – As we were all worshipping upstairs, a group of “Kitchen Angels” was working diligently downstairs to prepare for the feast to come. And what a feast it was! Finally! A good ole fashioned potluck that filled fellowship hall. Yes, it was like old times. Except, it wasn’t! It was now. And it was us. These selfless servants who made it all possible. And for a whole Sunday morning at church, not a peep was heard about any pandemic. No, COVID hasn’t gone away. But we are moving on!

THE VIEW – Bruce Condill is right! The view of the congregation on Sunday from the front of the church was one exhilarating site. I hadn’t been up to the pulpit lately, and the view from there is especially moving. Men and women, teens and young kids, toddlers and infants, family and friends, neighbors and strangers (but not for long!), all gathered together in the Lord’s House for worship. Once, when I looked out at the pews, I thought I saw about 5,000 pilgrims (families) on the side of a hill, listening to Jesus teach. And then they got hungry. And then all were fed, and all were filled!

SPIRIT FED/SPIRIT LED – I often like to say, “The Spirit of God is with the people of God.” There was a big-time Spirit in the room Sunday, and it wasn’t just from outside. God’s Spirit was alive and active Sunday in the congregation. And it had the feel of a Pentecost – when the Holy Spirit came down from heaven and landed upon each one of the disciples, and they each were given spiritual power to fulfill their calling. Underneath everything else that was going on Sunday, let us not forget the workings of the Holy Spirit, and its effect on those in its presence.

THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN – For everyone who was able to make it to church on Sunday, the day was filled with blessings. But one of the major blessings of the week was the selfless and silent work behind the scenes that Shawn Vanausdoll performed for us. Sunday’s service required a whole lot of prep work, and Shawn put in the hours throughout the week to make it all flow seamlessly. Not to mention, the man in the booth hitting the buttons at just the right times, Jeff Bowyer.

NOW — Take some time to reflect yourself – at what points in the service could you feel God’s presence with you and/or in the room?

And we’ll do it all over again this Sunday, and I hope you can join us ….

Grace & Peace, Pastor Bob <><

Have you ever felt like you are just way too small and insignificant for Jesus to bother with you? Or even felt like Jesus doesn’t even know you? After all, that would seem normal. Think of all the people who have lived in this world, and who live in it now. That’s a lot of lives to care about. Some might think too many. “I’m just little ole me way our here on the prairie – how could Jesus even know about me, much less care about me?”

But yet, he does. Immensely. Infinitely. In fact, He loves you unconditionally, all-forgiving, and for eternity. Feeling unknown or nameless in front of Jesus is a natural condition for a human being. But, as the Apostle Paul teaches us, as followers of Jesus we no longer view people from a human point of view. We can see people (and other things) as God sees them … but more importantly, as God sees us!

 We are never nameless to God – God knew us before we were formed in the womb. We are never NOT known to God. Which, by the way, puts us in the company of many of the greatest characters in the Gospels – seemingly nameless and unknown, but yet, there they are. The nameless and unknown friends of Jesus … who were never nameless and unknown to Jesus.

Here are just some of my favorite Gospel characters … no names given … no faces revealed … but there they are – just like you and me – beloved children of God who Jesus has come to rescue.

Here are some of my favorite unknowns in the gospels. Do you remember any of these characters? See if there are glimpses of yourself in these friends of Jesus.       

Some “Unknowns” in the Gospels

There are countless more “unknowns” in the Gospels, who turn out to be loved and cared for by Jesus. Can you think of some not listed here? Or maybe, you are that person today. Jesus is always calling …

To all of us … perhaps unknown to each other … but always known by God,

Pastor Bob <><

  

         

CALL THE FLOCK <>< SPREAD THE WORD <>< MAKE PLANS NOW

 

So much has happened since we last got together for a potluck/fellowship meal together. And yet, here we are! Ready to move forward again as a church family. We’re inviting all our former and current members, friends, acquaintances, and neighbors to come celebrate with us.      

        

CALL THE FLOCK <>< SPREAD THE WORD <>< MAKE PLANS NOW

 

So much has happened since we last got together for a potluck/fellowship meal together. And yet, here we are! Ready to move forward again as a church family. We’re inviting all our former and current members, friends, acquaintances, and neighbors to come celebrate with us.      

 

The VSCC Trustees are calling all persons of the Vine Street Christian Church family and friends to an All-Church Potluck on August 21, 2022 immediately after church.

 

Let’s face it; Church isn’t the same these days as it was just a few years ago. Still, Vine Street CC keeps “Movin’ On” and Sunday, August 21^st is the day we will rally together with each other and celebrate the many blessings we all share through our church.

• It’s our first all-church gathering since the onset of COVID.
• It’s back-to-school time for our students, teachers and administrators. We will lift them all up in prayer August 21^st.
• It’s a great time to gather the flock for a good old fashioned church homecoming.
• And, it’s the end of summer and the beginning of harvest time – a time to look at the future of our church and envision what God has in store for us.

 

ALL OF THESE ARE GOOD REASONS TO JOIN US ON AUGUST 21^ST.

 

But even better – the Reverend Michael Johnson will be delivering the message that Sunday in church! Let’s fill the church for him.

 

                             

 

The VSCC Worship Team will be providing the main course (pulled pork sandwiches), the beverages and table service. Everyone else will provide the side dishes, the salads, and the desserts.

 

I hope to see all of you on August 21^st. Save the date. Make your plans. Spread the word!

 

Amen <>< Alleluia <>< Amen,

Pastor Bob

 

From the office:

Three ways to let me know that you are planning to attend.

1. Call the church office at 217-543-2292
2. Email the church at vscc@mchsi.com
3. Sign up on the signup sheet at the back of the sanctuary.

Please let me know if you are planning to attend. We really need a head count by August 15. Thank you.

 

The VSCC Trustees are calling all persons of the Vine Street Christian Church family and friends to an All-Church Potluck on August 21, 2022 immediately after church.

 

Let’s face it; Church isn’t the same these days as it was just a few years ago. Still, Vine Street CC keeps “Movin’ On” and Sunday, August 21^st is the day we will rally together with each other and celebrate the many blessings we all share through our church.

Please let me know if you are planning to attend. We really need a head count by August 15. Thank you.

 

Just about 4 years ago, I wrote about an article I had read by Carey Nieuwhof, a former lawyer and the founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario, one of the most influential churches in North America. He has a blog and podcast about the future of the “church” in North America.

 

Cary had determined what the “hallmarks” will be of the churches that will make an impact in the next decade. Back then – and pre-COVID – we were having our own conversation about the future of Vine Street Christian Church. Now … today … we can look back and see how we’re doing, at least according to Carey’s list.

Here, according to Carey, are the hallmarks of the churches that will make an impact in the next decade:

 

 

          I know we have a lot of work and prayer to do as we move forward together into this uncharted territory. But it’s good to stop and take a pause and see how much progress we’ve made. And I think we’ve made a lot!

 

What about you? How do you think we’re doing in these post-COVID times? What should we be doing that we’re not? What are we missing? And who are we missing?  

 

Praying our church into the future,

Pastor Bob <><